THE owners of a Winchester toy shop which will be closing say the city council needs to listen to the business community in the city.

Childhood's Dream in the Brooks Shopping Centre will close on August 27.

The business itself will continue online serving Winchester and the UK.

The shop which is owned by Susan and Tony Whyman, from Alresford, was originally in Southgate Street and moved to the Brooks in 2013.

The Whymans opted against renewing the lease of the business and said issues like the chronic loss of car parking spaces and the impact on footfall and turnover was a major factor in their decision.

Other factors like deflation, lack of wage rises for customers and increased costs also played a part.

In a statement, they said: “Up to this year we were able to compete successfully but Winchester's problems seem to have finally hit home this winter and removed our ability to survive by selling more.”

They point to the closures of Friarsgate car park and then the Chesil Street surface car park, and the Upper Brook Street Car Park which will close, which have led to a lack of footfall and trade."

Their statement thanked their loyal customers for their help, but said the council has to do more to help the business community in Winchester.

“We have really enjoyed running our toyshop and we would like to thank all our loyal customers, adults and children alike.

“Winchester has the potential to be a great shopping destination, but not only does the town desperately need improvements to its infrastructure and the restoration of adequate city centre car parking, but it also needs a council that actively supports, listens to and nurtures the town's business community.

“The council has been made aware so many times of the dire effect that its car parking and other policies have had on the town but even though they seem to be starting to listen, there is no sense of urgency that could help justify continuing to invest and trade in Winchester.”